THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK October 9-15, 2016

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

FROM ST. AUGUSTINE SPIRITUALITY CENTER

October 9-15, 2016

“…there is no chaining the Word of God.” 2 Timothy 2: 9 No matter how many times people try to eliminate the name or the existence of God through laws, these actions will fall by the wayside through the faithfulness of his people. Strong faith will bring about the conversion of those chained by their blindness. Today’s readings also speak of conversion. In 2 Kings 5: 14-17 we see Naaman, the army commander of the King of Aram and a leper, cured by the God of Elisha, the prophet of Israel. Naaman turned to this wondrous God and returned home rejoicing in the mercy of this revelation of such a God.

The Gospel of Luke 17: 11-19 tells the story of the Cure of the Ten Lepers. Only one returns to thank Jesus for his cure. We see that Jesus is disappointed and hurt, that only one gave thanks. He rewards the one’s faith with salvation. Perhaps, we too, have failed many times to thank God for his mercy and generosity. Let us return to him with praise and thanksgiving.

Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska is remembered on Monday. She is the foundress of the Felician Franciscan Sisters, the community to which Sisters Christina and Rosemarie belong, who minister at St. Augustine High School. Angela and her companions cared for wounded soldiers on the battlefield in 19th century Poland. They housed and cared for children affected by the war. The elderly, homeless and homebound experienced Angela’s gentle touch. She counseled and fed university students. The spiritual and corporal works of mercy were her milieu and still is among her sisters today.

St. John XXIII, Pope of the 20th century, opened the windows of the Roman Catholic Church to needed change. Supposedly when he was elected, the cardinals thought of him as an interim pope, since they could not reach any decisive choice. As always, God had the last laugh. This pope called for Vatican II and brought about a new vision of the faith. Having served most of his priesthood among non-Christians, he saw the need to communicate with other religions and called the Church to ecumenism. From a poor Italian family this humble and joyful man showed a new side of being Christian.

St. Teresa of Jesus was a Carmelite nun, born in Spain, who reformed the Carmelites in the 16th century along with St. John of the Cross. She was part of the reform of the Church, a mystic, theologian, author and a woman of great strength, faith and love of Jesus.

The celebration of the arrival on October 12, 1492 of Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, representing Spain, marks the first meeting of the Europeans with the native population of the “new world.” Let us pray for blessings of harmony, mercy and understanding on our continent.

May you walk in peace always and spread the Word of God,

Sister Rosemarie Goins, CSSF

Director

Advertisements

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Published by CSSF

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix Mission of the Felician Sisters
As Felician Franciscan Sisters, called by God, we cooperate with Christ
in the spiritual renewal of the world.
The Charism of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice
is to imitate Blessed Mary Angela’s boundless love of God and surrender
to God’s Will in compassionate service, total availability, concern for the
salvation of all people.
View all posts by CSSF